Jake had been glued to his screen for hours, deep into a GTA 5 mission and totally locked in — until he heard the front door creak open and Gaby’s voice cut through the chaos of sirens and explosions.

“Okay,” she said, arms crossed, already wearing her cute brown hiking set and sneakers. “You’ve been inside all day. We’re going outside. Now.”

Jake groaned dramatically, still holding the controller. “Babe, I’m literally in the middle of something.”

“Yeah, in the middle of rotting,” Gaby said, grabbing the remote and pausing the game. “You need air. Trees. Vitamin D. Real people who aren’t trying to rob a casino.”

He sighed but smiled a little. “Fine. But only because you’re bossy.”

“You love it,” she smirked, tossing him a hoodie. “We’re going to the park. It’s literally five minutes.”

Ten minutes later, they were walking through the neighborhood park — Jake dragging his feet a little, and Gaby already taking photos of trees and random squirrels like she was on National Geographic.

“This is… grass,” Jake said, pretending to be amazed. “I didn’t know this still existed outside Minecraft.”

Gaby rolled her eyes, laughing. “Touch it. Touch the grass. Be one with the Earth, city boy.”

“I miss my couch,” Jake muttered, but she grabbed his hand and gave it a playful swing.

They passed a pond, ducks quacking lazily in the water, and Gaby suddenly gasped. “Omg look at them! They’re so CUTE!”

Jake squinted. “They’re just birds with better PR.”

Gaby gave him a light shove, giggling. “You are such a hater.”

As they walked the loop trail, her energy never dimmed. She pointed at the flowers, made him stop to look at a bug, and took way too many selfies with him complaining in half of them.

And even though Jake was still thinking about getting back to his game… he kind of didn’t mind this break. The breeze felt nice. Gaby looked happy. And he had to admit, holding her hand while she dragged him through nature wasn’t the worst thing ever.

“Alright,” he finally said, as they reached a bench. “We did your nature thing. Can we get snacks now?”

“Only if you admit it was kinda fun.”